Wednesday, December 28, 2011

My 2012 Home on the Range calendar was very well received. I know this because I am sold out and Calendars.com is sold out as well. The only place I can find it now is on Ebay. Thank you for making my first calendar such a big success. Keep checking back and if more become available, I will post where.

Monday, December 12, 2011

It has been a wonderful year. We had a wonderful 20th anniversary trip this year in Northern California, had some wonderful times with wonderful friends. We said goodbye to our beautiful companion of 15 years, Loki. We welcomed Bella, in the middle, two weeks ago. We met wonderful people, made new friends, and sadly said goodbye to some. All in all, we are truly blessed.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

And so it begins. The dogs are groomed and decked out. My patient husband starts the posing. Remember, the middle dog, Bella, is our new 6 month old puppy...we are prepared for the worst.

She lays down and the light is wrong. Oh yeah, and her tongue is sticking out. Zoe and Dakota are looking for their treat.

Light is good, but wrong exposure, and again...looking for snausages. Notice John is dashing off to get out of the way.

Zoe makes a dash for freedom. Bella and Dakota being the youngest and the most behaved. My favorite part of this is, Burbank the cat was trying his best to get into the picture. We didn't even know he was in the room.

The final picture, the only picture. And all the time, Burbank is chewing on one of my ornaments. He is probably angry that he was not asked to be a part of the picture. But who would ever think that a cat would sit still?

I have a whole new respect for the mall photographers that take pictures of children.

Friday, December 09, 2011

I do not like to get political on my blog, in fact, I don't like to get political or preachy at all. But a recent conversation with a friend reminded me of how we have forgotten the power of gratitude. In an age where we text and don't talk, email and don't phone, where the post office is losing it's battle because no one can use a stamp...I am reminded that we have precious few privileges on this planet, and the ones that we do have, we take advantage of. It is not I pads, or I phones, or new cars, it is that we have each other. Do not send me a gift for Christmas that you put no thought into. I would rather you sponsor a hungry child, do an hour of public service, rescue an abandoned dog...or simply give thanks for all that we have. Wake up every morning and say thank you to who ever, or what ever you believe in, and spread the word.
I am weary of the everyday issues of society. I don't care who you sleep with, or eat with, or what kind of car you drive, or who you support politically. Just care for each other and the rest will fall into place.
Imagine a world where we think of others before we think of ourselves. How powerful would that be?

Thursday, December 08, 2011

There are times that we shine. There are times that we fail. Then there are times that we can give back. I was once asked by an artist, "How can you give up your secrets?", my response was "How can I not?"
I did not stumble onto this profession by accident. I called every artist I admired, I mailed every artist I did not have a phone number for, I emailed every artist I admired and asked them, how do you do it???? They are in every painting that I have ever painted. I would never think to keep what I have learned to myself, if I can help you, I will. I am here for you, new artist. Ask me and I will help you in any way that I can.

This video is a perfect example of how we can reach out to each other and change a life. What can be better than that???? Change a life, that is perfection. God gives us gifts, to keep our light hidden is a slap in the face of that gift.

Give up your ego, encourage that young talent...even if you know that they will plow you under as Mr. Buble says.

My Facebook friend Jim Bortz posted this on his blog and I had to share it. It may be a little..how should I say...heavy handed, but I appreciate his sentiment. I know that when someone who is not an artist comes to me and says, "You are an artist? That must be so relaxing!" (obviously never had to make a living at it), or "That looks just like a photograph" (Here, I must say, is always said as a compliment. But we do not paint like photographs, we paint. I appreciate the compliment, but that is not what I was trying to do.)

One of the hardest things I had to get through to my friends was that just because I work at home, does not mean that I do not work. I do not have time to go to a movie in the afternoon, or to get a pedicure just because you have a day off. I work, I work hard. If I am not painting, I am studying painting, or going through reference, studying anatomy, in the field up to my hips in mud watching how a cow moves, or a horse grazes. I once had to chase a wolf pup down who had one of my lenses in his mouth. I sit on the back porch and dissect the light coming through the trees and how I can make that work on canvas. I am NEVER not working. Yes, I have the greatest job on the planet. I am lucky to be able to do what I do, but don't think that it comes easy...it does not. I am grateful that you like what I do, I am happy if I can make something for you that makes you happy. I am truly blessed, but I work hard for that blessing.

Here is Jim's post...

Talent... or Skill? When someone tells me that I’m “talented,” I know it’s a term of admiration… though unknowingly misguided. Don’t admire my talent, for it is such a small part of what I do. Admire my dedication, skill, and sacrifice. Those are the qualities of which I’m most proud.

It starts out innocent enough. Someone at a show or exhibit will be gushing over my work, tossing complements about like rice at a wedding (no one throws rice anymore, do they?) and all but making me squirm with at having to say “thank you” so many times. Then the words come out that make my blood boil. “I wish I had your talent. This must come naturally to you.” Really? Like I eat a couple of tubes of paint for breakfast every morning and crap out finished 12x16 canvas later the same night (never mind how painful that might be. And I know they mean nothing hurtful by these words, so I just smile and nod hoping they don’t notice my white knuckles as I grind a fist into my leg. If they only knew the mind-boggling stack of past failures it took to get here and the paralyzing knowledge that there are many more failures to come... the years of study and frustration to achieve a level of competence where I wouldn’t throw up at the thought of showing my work in public... the amount of research and planning it takes before I ever dip a brush in paint.

I love what I do, but there is no “magic” in the process. It’s simply work. Not the kind of work you do with a wrench or shovel. I’ve done plenty of that in my time. And not unpleasant work, but a continual task of study, experimentation, evaluation, and then application of a learned knowledge. It’s a skill… not a talent. The magic happens when someone stands in front of a painting and says something like, “I’ve been there” or “I can almost smell that water.” Now that’s magic!

I don’t deny that it’s possible (maybe even necessary) talent may play a part in the stages of artistic development. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had an obsession with drawing. Still, I didn’t understand much about it until I started studying the work and teachings of others who were highly skilled at the craft. To dismiss what any skilled craftsman or woman does as some whimsical gift by a higher power is an insult (though it’s almost never intended that way)

There will always be folks that disagree with me on this subject (though very few of them are professional artists), and that’s okay. I’m not really hoping to change anyone’s mind. These merely the ramblings of my own tormented mind (discussed in an earlier post). It’s fine that there is some mystery to art. It adds an element of romantic notion to what I do. But I’d rather that romance be directed toward the finished piece than any mistaken enchantment in its creation.

I think he says what we all think at some time or another. We have a tendency to dismiss the work that goes into a finished product. If you go to a restaurant and get a really amazing meal, your thought is not that the chef was gifted...you know that he/she studied to combine those elements of the food to make it work. If your mechanic fixes your brakes, you know that he/she studied to learn how to do that. An artist is no different. We study, we learn, we fail, we flail, we recover, we have ah ha moments, and we succeed every now and then.

Just to let you know, we appreciate your comments, bad and good. We listen, and sometimes we learn, but you are the reason that we do this. If no one was there to look at our work, why would we do it?

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Day 3 of the Bella occupation and I have learned a few things...
1. Underwear, bras, socks, pants, etc. left on the floor and unattended are subject to random dispersal throughout the house.
2. Any exposed appendages from under the covers are subject to licking, chewing, or pouncing.
3. Cat tails are officially chew toys.
4. Dog tails are officially cat toys.
5. Anything within Bella's reach is, in fact, Bella's.
6. A SpotBot can become your best friend.
7. Come, sit, down, no no, drop that, what are you eating?, and all other commands are subject to being ignored completely.
What have we gotten into?

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

I have not posted in a while because of the holidays, shows, and our newest distraction...Bella. She is a 6 month old Bernese Mountain Dog and has stolen our hearts. I can't wait to watch her grow into a big beautiful girl.

Friday, November 04, 2011

Done. It is not cropped like I would like, but I always paint some "bleed" for the scan. I really like the way this one turned out, which is saying a lot, because I am my worst critic.

I titled this one "Early Snow" because I did not want to paint this gorgeous horse fuzzy like you see them in winter. He is my dream of a black stallion and has the most beautiful face. I hope you like it.

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

I was infected with the "horse bug" at a very early age. Once it hits you, it is hard to shake. I am now 47 years old and I am still hopelessly lost in my horse obsession. I remember as a kid, laying on my horse's back, book propped on his butt, my feet hooked over his neck as he grazed, for a long summer afternoon of bliss. This painting is dedicated to my childhood and all those kids who were like I was.

I am in overdrive at this point, getting ready for a show next week, finishing up my 2014 calendar, and trying my best to keep my head on straight. I will add photos of this as I can.

Monday, October 31, 2011

The last week had been tough, there is a huge hole in my house since Loki has been gone. I still make room for him with my feet in the bed, I still look behind myself when changing direction because he was always at my hip, ready to trip me, I still go to his food bin to fill his dish, and when I am at the cutting board, I still see his eyes looking up at me, praying that I will drop something...anything. I pulled up a friend's page and this was there...it comforted me in a way that is hard to describe. We may have changed his world for a while, but he changed us forever.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

In light of recent events on the east coast, I decided to name this painting, Early Snow. It still has a long way to go, but I photographed this black horse about 7 years ago and always thought that he would be even more beautiful with a coat of snowflakes on his mane and back.

At this point I am just blocking in the colors and adding blues, purples, and blacks to build an underpainting. It is a small painting, 10x10ish, so it should not take me too long.

I have been swamped with work and getting ready for my upcoming show. My husband has been on the road a lot so the chores and pets have been my responsibility. I apologize to my friends that have called and I have not got back to. I promise I will get myself caught up and then get caught up with emails and phone calls.

Monday, October 17, 2011

My latest pastel, All A Cowboy Needs. This is Jake and Mulie, these two had a bond like I have never seen between a dog and a person. I photographed them at the Artist Ride in South Dakota. I work on a suede board and soft pastels, this gives a soft look to the painting. I put a lot more detail in the background than I usually do, but I wanted to give a look of "openness" to the scene. This is a small piece, 10x12, so it should not take too long...famous last words, right?

I am honored that, Day at the Office, was accepted into the prestigious Mountain Oyster Western Show this year. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to hang my work with some of the best western artists in the country.

The Mountain Oyster Club, established in 1948, is a private club composed of members united in the interest of preserving Southwestern heritage and “Old Pueblo” tradition. Their foundations in this way of life vary. Whether they come from pioneer stock with deep roots in Arizona, are ranchers, farmers, or horsemen, are professionals working with livestock interests or are Western artists or collectors of Western art, this society of Westerners remains dedicated to western traditions, art and the western way of life.

Each year the Club sponsors the Annual Southwestern Art Show and Sale, considered to be one of the most outstanding showcases of western art by many of the country’s finest artists. The club boasts its own extensive collection of western art.

FORTY SECOND ANNUAL

CONTEMPORARY WESTERN ART

SHOW AND SALE

wil be held on

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2011

In the Mountain Oyster Club

The Mountain Oyster Club Western Art Show and Sale is by invitation only.

The Mountain Oyster Club Contemporary Western Art Show and Sale began in 1970 with the works of 18 artists in an effort to help the little-appreciated Western artists sell their work. The show has grown to display more than four hundred works of over two hundred artists each year with the works of lesser known artists hanging along side well established ones. Art sales are conducted on a lottery system. Interested buyers complete an intent to purchase form and sign their name to the card presented with the piece. At 5:30p.m. on Sunday, November 20, 2011, a drawing will be conducted to determine the buyer of any contested pieces and the order of multiple bronze editions. Any unsold pieces will remain available until January on a first come basis. Purchased pieces may be picked up or shipped to the buyer (at the buyers cost) beginning in January.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

I am thrilled to announce my 2012 calendar from Legacy Publishing is available. It is 15.95 + 3.99 shipping and handling. If you are interested in purchasing one, please send me an email at foxrunstudio@aol.com. I accept MC, Visa, and Paypal.

Friday, October 14, 2011

14 years ago, I was driving through Sun Valley, CA and stopped at a stoplight. Trapped in the middle of traffic, was a gangley, thin, black shepherd. I pulled my car into the intersection and stopped traffic. I opened my door and grabbed this poor scared dog and threw him into the back seat of my Geo Storm. The rest is history. He was our best friend, protector, clown, and snuggler.
At 11, he collapsed and we found out that his heart was failing. Well, we had a pacemaker implanted and he stayed with us for 4 more wonderful years. We have many wonderful memories of him, and there will not be a day that I won't look for his wagging tail and bright eyes.
I will miss you big dog.

He was big, but he was gentle. He took care of Zoe when she was a baby.

I think this is my favorite picture of him. He loved to play ball, and he was so patient with puppies, even with Zoe, who could be very trying on your nerves.

Patience....

Handsome man.

Keep away games with the short legged dog...

Their play always looked rough, but it was always in good fun.

We called him Canyon Dog. He loved to go for hikes more than any other dog that I have ever had. So we decided to put him to work and he carried his own water, Power Bars for us and film for my camera.

Again, patience with a new puppy. Dakota wanted his treat, he would not relent, but he would share.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Well, maybe...at this point, I will put the painting aside and pull it out again to "tweak" it. Sometimes when you spend as much time on a painting as I did this one, you miss some really obvious errors. So to step away, and come back for a second look, can help. The photo was taken from my table in not ideal light, but you get the idea.
All Dressed Up (Royal Horse Guard), 16x20, oil

Thursday, October 06, 2011

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

I had a really rough morning, too much to explain, but as a way to escape my sadness, I decided to hit the "next blog" button on blogger. I stumbled upon a wonderful blog by www.nessadeeart.blogspot.com and found this post of her "confessions". I was struck by how many of them we had in common, right down to the Diet Dr Pepper. Please take a minute to look at her blog, she seems like an amazing person.

These are her (and my) confessions....

My studio is so messy right now, I can barely walk through it.
:: I made my kids waffles with whipped cream and syrup just so I could steal
some bites.

:: I have a major case of artist’s block.

:: In a little over a week I will be displaying my art at a coffee shop
downtown. I haven’t near enough pieces painted yet.

:: I lost my Diet Dr. Pepper somewhere in my house this morning, and I’ve yet
to find it.

:: I might have finished the Diet D.P. and it’s now in the trash. I can’t
remember.

:: I drink sodas so fast that I don’t remember if I’ve finished them.

:: I now eat peanut butter mixed with plain yogurt. It’s kind of gross, but I
look forward to it every day.

:: My door knob falls off my front door every time we shut it. It’s been this
way for at least 3 months.

:: I didn’t brush my teeth this morning.

:: It took me 2 hours to get my camera battery off the charger into the
camera. Somewhere in the walk from the charger to the camera I misplaced the
battery because I forgot what I was doing and started cleaning.

:: Somewhere between cleaning the bathrooms, I misplaced the bathroom
cleaners because I forgot what I was doing and started to blog.

:: I finally found the battery in the bathroom only to put it in my camera
and find that the camera was still dead. Cursed camera! I put “buy a new camera”
on my to-do list.

:: I’m wearing the same clothes as I was wearing yesterday. The sad thing is
that I got up, changed out of my pjs into workout clothes to go to the gym, came
home, took a bath, and made an effort to dig the clothes out of the dirty
laundry to put them back on. Sigh.

This is turning in to a labor of love, I may have to price this painting at 1.2 million dollars to make some money on it. Of course, I am kidding. Sometimes you just have to paint something for yourself and it does not matter how long it takes or how hard you have to work at it. This is one of those paintings.

This is an extended view of my easel. I have my reference photo on the left, and my brushes on the right. I also use a laptop to zoom in on my reference so I can get the intricate detail of the bridle. My husband told me last night that this is one of those paintings that you can use crazy colors in the background and get away with it. I added Cad Yellows, and Sap Green to deepen the colors in the background. I went in with a white pastel and re-drew the chain and reins and I am slowly laying in the colors.

One thing that works for me with oils is to lay in the darkest value of color first and then hit the highlights at the end. So, for the bit and the chain, I put down a mixture of Payne's grey and T White. I do have to say, I am romanced by the Alkyd Titanium White. My underpainting is dry by morning and I can get back to work a lot sooner than if I used a traditional oil. With something as intricate as this, it is nice to be able to get to work first thing in the morning and not have to put it aside until it is dry. I may be a convert.

Monday, September 26, 2011

This is the finished product...well, almost. I always sit on a painting for a few days before I say it is "done". I am happy with some elements of it, but there are some more things about it that I think need some tweaking. At this stage, I will put a painting away for a few days, then pull it out and fix the things about it that stand out to me.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Monday, September 19, 2011

My latest WIP, "Best Seats in the House". I am in show rush mode again, so I am working weeknights and weekends on top of my day painting. I am tired, but I am liking some of the stuff I am coming up with. I always do better work when I am under a crunch. This has to be done by Wednesday at the latest, so off I go...

Monday, September 12, 2011

This is the end of the days work today. It still needs a little tweaking here and there but my eyes are tired and I am really hungry!!! So I will put it away for a couple of days and pull it back out and fix what I don't like. It is amazing how much you see when you stop looking at a painting for a while. I will post the scanned final version when I am happy. I hope you like it.

Thursday, September 01, 2011

I have a "supervisor" in my studio and his name is Burbank. I can not work on the computer, pull out my pastels, or paint without him watching my every move. Today, he fell asleep on the window perch I put up for him and had a dream. I can not even imagine what he was dreaming of, but it must have been a good dream. I was able to work without him trying to crawl into my lap and be a total pest but when I heard him snoring I had to grab the camera.

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About Me

I am an artist in San Digeo, CA. I paint wildlife and western subjects primarily in oils and soft pastels. I will be posting new works and thoughts on work as often as I can. I hope you enjoy the site!